How Long Will Gingivitis Take to Heal?
You can heal gingivitis quickly, but it needs your daily attention. If you ignore it, this common form of gum disease can progress to periodontitis.
How to Reverse Gingivitis
Fortunately, if you give your gums prompt and effective treatment, you can reverse gingivitis and avoid periodontitis within about two weeks. Periodontitis is a serious form of gum disease that requires expensive dental care and could lead to tooth loss.
Reversing gum disease starts with understanding the problem. Even if you brush, bacteria can build up along the gumline and between teeth. Your body treats this as a threat and responds by triggering an inflammatory response to fight against infection. The result is red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed when you brush—the classic sign that you need to step up your oral health routine, and fast.
Heal Gingivitis at Home
If you haven't already, seeing your dentist for a professional cleaning and exam is a good idea. But that's just the beginning. Healing gum disease requires ongoing care:
- Floss Every Day. Flossing is even more critical to fighting gum disease than brushing, but you must floss properly to get the best result. Many people find using a water flosser easier and more effective, and it can reach places string floss can't.
- Choose the Right Toothbrush. Whether you prefer a manual, electric oscillating, or sonic toothbrush, choose one with a small head and soft, end-rounded bristles.
- Brush at Least Twice Daily. Brush your teeth in the morning, after meals, and at bedtime.
- Tune Up Your Brushing Technique. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and apply gentle pressure as you brush all surfaces of your teeth. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as dental crowns, tight angles, or crowded teeth. Two minutes is a guideline, but you should brush until teeth feel and look clean. Click here for more on how to brush .
- Commit to Oral Health. Gingivitis can return quickly. Make proper brushing and flossing a priority to keep gum disease away for life.
Home Remedy for Gingivitis Treatment
Daily brushing and flossing is the real path to healthy teeth and gums. To heal gingivitis quickly, try a combination water flosser with separate toothbrush unit for an effective, all-in-one home remedy. Clinically proven more effective than manual brushing and string flossing, WATERPIK water flossers are tested and trusted by the American Dental Association .*
*Applies to most models
